# Arioso Châteauneuf-du-Pape Rouge (2019)

- **Producer:** Rotem & Mounir Saouma
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Grenache
- **Region:** Rhône, France
- **Style:** Natural
- **Alcohol:** 15.0%
- **Contains sulphites:** No
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 16–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** ripe fruit, black plum, black cherry, raspberry, red cherry, cloves, vanilla, cedar, chocolate, smoke, tobacco, dried fruit, earth, leather, forest floor

## About this wine

The Arioso Châteauneuf-du-Pape Rouge 2019 is a red wine from the Southern Rhône, produced by Rotem & Mounir Saouma. It is distinguished by its exclusive use of old-vine Grenache from the Pignan lieu-dit, known for its elegant character. The winemaking philosophy emphasizes minimal intervention, allowing the terroir to express itself fully. Rotem and Mounir Saouma, a husband-and-wife team, apply their meticulous winemaking approach, honed in Burgundy, to this Rhône appellation. The Pignan sub-appellation is a key factor in the wine's refined expression of Grenache. The 2019 vintage benefited from a warm and dry growing season, contributing to ripe fruit and structure.

## Interesting facts

- Made from 100% Grenache from vines planted in the 1930s.
- Winemaking avoids pumping over or punch-downs.
- Aged for up to three years in demi-muid barrels.
- Minimal sulfur is added, often only before bottling.

## Food pairing

The full body and structure of this Grenache-dominant wine make it an excellent companion for rich, protein-heavy dishes. Its tannins will soften and integrate with the meat's proteins, while its inherent fruit and spice notes can complement savory herbs and earthy flavors.

## Wine making process

The Arioso Châteauneuf-du-Pape Rouge is produced using a philosophy of minimal intervention. Key techniques include cold soaking followed by natural whole-bunch fermentation, with a strict avoidance of pumping over or punch-downs. The wine is then aged for up to three years in 500-liter demi-muid barrels, with all lees included. Minimal to no sulfur is added until just before bottling. Vineyard practices focus on improving drainage and using organic manures, aiming for low yields. The barrels are sourced from Stephane Chassin, utilizing tight-grain wood with low toast.